The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 347 Zhao Mansion Says Goodbye
To others, the banquet in the Zhao Mansion is considered delicious and novel, and it is endlessly memorable.

The authentic wine from the Western Regions tastes mellow and sweet, making people reluctant to put down the wine cup.

But for Zhu Xiu, the table full of delicious food didn't taste amazing at all.

There is no other reason than eating too much.

No need to taste it, just by looking at the dishes, Zhu Xiu knew that the dishes on the table were the luxury set meals of Taihe Building, and the market price was 25 yuan per table.

Wine will be charged separately.

Tonight, this barrel of wine is more than five liters, and the market price is 25 guan per barrel.

After all, including the cost of packaging and delivery, this meal for the Zhao family cost a lot of money, and Zhao Kuangyin also spent a lot of money.

Zhu Xiu symbolically tasted some of each dish, which was also a way to check the cooking skills of his restaurant.

Kaifeng Taihe Building has been open for a short time, and several chefs were temporarily transferred from Luoyang. Without Zhu Xiu's hand-to-hand training, the dishes produced are inferior to those of the old Taihe Building in Anding County, Jingzhou, in terms of taste and color. Not even a little bit.

Zhu Xiu put down his chopsticks and shook his head secretly. It seemed that he was going to instruct Ma Qing to arrange a trip back to Jingzhou and send the old chefs to Kaifeng so that they could train the newcomers.

The consumption level in Jingzhou is naturally not as good as that in Kaifeng, so the focus of his business will definitely shift to Kaifeng in the future.

Kaifeng is the imperial capital, and there are many dignitaries and wealthy businessmen. Despite the current depression in the city, as long as the government is stable, it won't take long for it to be prosperous and lively.

Zhu Xiu glanced at Li Chongjin. The tables in front of this black guy were filled with wine and food, and they had been changed several times. However, this guy still had his sleeves rolled up, carrying a goose leg in his left hand, and grabbing a crab in his right hand. He was devouring it like a starving man. He looked like he was reincarnated, his face was shiny after eating.

Zhu Xiu was puzzled. Li Chongjin was a frequent visitor to Taihe Building. He usually ate these dishes, so why was he still not tired of them?
Accompanying Li Chongjin was Zhao Kuangyi, a fair-faced and slightly chubby boy who originally wore clean and decent Confucian clothes, with his hair neatly combed, and looked well-dressed.

It was a pity that after sitting with Li Chongjin for a whole night, he was forced to drink wine several times by the black man. He was so drunk that his face turned red and he breathed out the smell of alcohol. He sat leaning against a few tables with his body leaning against the table, his eyes were red and drunk, and he kept burping.

There is no dignity left, he looks like a young man who is greedy for alcohol and is about to lose consciousness.

Zhu Xiu secretly laughed, Li Chongjin and Zhao Kuangyin were two bulls who disliked each other, and they would definitely go up to each other as soon as they met.

It's just that now everyone is getting older and has just experienced many turbulent changes. Even the second generation ancestor like Li Chongjin, who does not hesitate to mess around, has become much more mature and will not make noises and fights like before.

Since it was difficult to quarrel with Zhao Kuangyin again, Li Chongjin naturally turned to Zhao Kuangyi for fun.

According to Zhao Kuangyi's temperament, he would not sit on the same case with Li Chongjin, let alone have a banquet and laugh. However, Zhao Kuangyin had warned him in advance and warned him several times with his eyes not to make mistakes, so Zhao Kuangyi sat down next to Li Chongjin with great reluctance. Pour wine to make up for your laughter.

Li Chongjin made fun of him and forced him to drink until Zhao Kuangyi collapsed on the ground.

Zhao Kuangyin was helpless about this.

As the Duke of Hanoi, Li Chongjin enthusiastically took Zhao Kuangyi to drink. When word spread, others would even envy Zhao Kuangyi for his good fortune and being appreciated by the Duke.

After all, the Black King is now the direct nephew of the official family, and others have no chance to curry favor with him.

Seeing Zhu Xiu put down his chopsticks, Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly picked up the wine cup and said with a smile: "The food and wine of Taihe Building are delicious to outsiders, but they are ordinary in my brother's mouth. The riots in Kaifeng have not subsided, and several famous restaurants have returned It is not open for business normally, leaving only the Taihe Building to stand out. I invited my wise brother to come over for a banquet, but the food he ate was the food and wine from his own building. Brother Yu is really ashamed!"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Brother Zhao, you're welcome. When brothers get together, the next best thing is what to eat. Fine wine is enough! Back then, we were outside Pinggao County, Yuanzhou, in the cold winter, when the wilderness was filled with ice and snow. We roasted a rabbit and ate it. We continued chatting until dawn."

"Haha~ Yes~ Think about those days, it's called free and easy!"

Zhao Kuangyin laughed loudly, and then said with emotion: "Imagine that in just over a year, the world has changed so much."

"White clouds and gray dogs, everything in the world is impermanent!~" Zhu Xiu also sighed in agreement.

Zhao Kuangyin looked at Zhu Xiu: "Brother Xian, how long will it take for you to come back?"

"I don't know yet. Let's go to Jiangning first to see if we can find out the whereabouts of our relatives, and then go back to Suzhou and build a framework to suppress the Huai army with this black guy." Zhu Xiu nuzzled towards Li Chongjin.

Li Chongjin wiped the grease stains from his mouth and said carelessly: "You just go to find your relatives. The military affairs in Suzhou are handled by the king."

"This is your first time to lead a feudal town by yourself. You need to be careful in everything. If you mess up, you will be rewarded by the officials!" Zhu Xiu curled his lips, not trusting him.

"I know, I know! Write a strategy book and leave it to me. I will follow it when you get to Suzhou. I have issued a military order in front of my uncle. If the Huai army cannot be formed within a year, I am willing to accept the punishment!"

Zhu Xiu's eyes widened: "When did you issue the military order? Why didn't I know?"

Li Chongjin hehe said: "Yesterday, when I entered the palace, my uncle asked me what I was going to do, and my mind went hehe~~ By the way, I even wrote your name in the certificate. Uncle Jinkou said, if If there is anything wrong with Zhenhuai Army, both of our heads will have to move."

Zhu Xiu stood up, angrily and anxiously: "Asshole! Why did you involve me in the military order you issued?"

Li Chongjin burped, exhaling the odor of wine and meat, with a dark and red face and a sneer: "I am the envoy, and you are the deputy envoy. If something goes wrong, we will both be blamed! Uncle said , if I ask you to write a military order, I will scare you away. Let me add your name."

Zhu Xiu gritted her teeth and glared at Li Chongjin. Unexpectedly, before she left, she would be tricked by Uncle Guo.

Zhao Kuangyin held back his laughter and looked at him with sympathy.

"Hey~" Li Chongjin slapped his thigh, "Don't worry, I am the eldest brother after all, and I have an official position. If you are really guilty, I will shoulder the responsibility, brother, and will never implicate you!"

Li Chongjin's chest banged loudly.

The loyal Qianyun didn't maintain his posture for long, and said with a sneer on his face: "But you still have to write me a copy of the strategy book. Otherwise, I will go to Suzhou and be blinded. I really don't know where to start."

Zhu Xiu stroked his forehead, full of sorrow, why did he deal with such an unreliable guy?
No wonder Uncle Guo arranged for him and Li Chongjin to go to Suzhou as a partner. Anyone else might not be qualified for such an arduous task.

"Brother Yu, I wish you both will flourish in Suzhou and make new contributions to the official family and the court! I wish my dear brother an early reunion with his family and a safe return!"

Zhao Kuangyin got up and said sincerely.

"With Brother Zhao's kind words, our trip will be smooth sailing." Zhu Xiu saluted with a smile.

Li Chongjin patted Zhao Kuangyin on the shoulder, belched his wine and said with a smile: "Speaking of Zhao Da'er, how about I tell my uncle and transfer you to the Huai Army to join me? Don't worry, brother, I will not treat you badly! "

Zhao Kuangyin took a step back, and Li Chongjin's hand slipped from his shoulder. He cupped his fists and smiled lightly: "It's a great honor for Zhao to be appreciated by the Lord of Hanoi. But firstly, Zhao still wants to stay in Beijing to take care of his parents because they are old. Secondly, he wants to come to Hanoi." There are many talented people under the command of the Duke, and there is no shortage of Zhao. It would be better for Zhao not to join in the fun."

Li Chongjin waved his hand and sneered: "Excuse, I think you just can't bear to part with the prosperity of this capital!"

Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said nothing. "Let's go, let's go~ I enjoyed my meal tonight, thank you Zhao Da'er! Next time you come back, I'll treat you instead!"

Li Chongjin cupped his hands and walked out of the hall with unsteady steps. His steps seemed to be wandering a bit, and it seemed that he was about to get drunk.

Zhao Kuangyin leaned over and patted Zhao Kuangyi, who was lying on the ground, but Zhao Kuangyi fell unconscious in a daze.

"Let Erlang rest for a while. He is too young to drink." Zhu Xiu said with a smile.

Zhao Kuangyin smiled bitterly, called the servants to take care of them, and escorted Zhu Xiu and Li Chong in and out of the house.

Several servants led the way forward with lanterns, and several strong servants of the Zhao family carefully guarded Li Chongjin, fearing that the drunk guy would slip and fall into the pond.

If the official's nephew falls into the water after drinking in the Zhao Mansion, the Zhao Mansion will become a joke in the city tomorrow.

Zhao Kuangyin deliberately took a step behind and said in a low voice: "Brother Xian, Brother Fool has something to ask for advice."

"Brother Zhao, please tell me." Zhu Xiu glanced at him.

"Brother Yu, I heard that the officials intend to change the number of the Protector of the Holy Army. Is it true or not?"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "This is true. The officials want to change the Protector's Army to the Longjie Army, still command the Sima Army of the Bodyguards, and change the Infantry Army of the Bodyguards to the Tigers."

"I see." Zhao Kuangyin nodded and frowned: "So, my father's position may have changed."

Zhu Xiu knew what he was worried about and said with relief: "Brother Zhao, don't worry. I asked Mr. Wei about this matter. Although the official family has changed the military number of the guard Ma Bujun, the selection of the commander should not change. It will only change." Generals at all levels below.

From now on, the Long Jie Army and the Hu Jie Army will still be the main force of the Horse Infantry Army under the jurisdiction of the Guards and Military Division. Your Majesty, General Zhao, will still be the commander of the Long Jie Army. "

Zhao Kuangyin's eyebrows were filled with joy: "Brother Xian, what you said is true!"

"Haha, how dare you talk nonsense about such a big matter? I originally wanted to tell Brother Zhao about this, but I thought that since General Zhao's position remains unchanged, there is no need to say anything. I didn't expect that Brother Zhao would worry about this." Zhu Xiu smiled.

Zhao Kuangyin was extremely grateful and bowed his head and said: "Thank you very much, dear brother, for telling me, so that everyone in my Zhao family can feel at ease."

"Brother Zhao is talking like this, but he is out of touch." Zhu Xiu shook his head, pretending to be displeased.

The two looked at each other and smiled happily.

Li Chongjin stood at the door of the mansion and turned around, shouting impatiently: "What's so funny? Zhu Xiu, please walk faster. I'm sleepy. I have to go back to sleep. I have to rush on my way tomorrow morning. I'm going to have this meal at Zhao Da'er's house." It will delay your trip. If you don’t leave tomorrow morning, the palace will send someone to hurry you up."

Zhu Xiu ignored him and bowed to Zhao Kuangyin: "Brother Zhao, stay here, and I will say goodbye!"

Zhao Kuangyin solemnly clasped his fists: "My dear brother, take care of me! Be careful along the way!"

"Let's go, let's go~" Li Chongjin got on his horse, waved his whip and drove away. Zhu Xiu also got on his horse and followed closely.

The clatter of horse hooves could be heard far away in the night. It wasn't until the two figures disappeared at the end of the long street that Zhao Kuangyin turned around and returned to his house, asking the concierge to close the door.

Under the dark octagonal pavilion by the pond, Zhao Hongyin sat alone drinking tea.

Zhao Kuangyin hurried over.

"Sent away?" Zhao Hongyin said with a smile.

Zhao Kuangyin nodded and said with a smile: "My son has confirmed with Zhu Xiu about changing the military number. My father's position will not change. It is just the old department in the past. I am afraid that all of them will be disbanded and arranged to go elsewhere."

Zhao Hongyin stroked his beard: "It's not what my father expected."

"But in this way, the prestige and contacts that my father accumulated in the army for many years will no longer exist." Zhao Kuangyin sighed.

Zhao Hongyin's face was calm: "The officials seized power by force, and they have been practicing in the Forbidden Army, the court, and the vassal towns for many years. They are well aware of these intricate forces and factions. Just watch. In the future, the mobilization of various armies will definitely become a routine, whether it is the Forbidden Army or the Imperial Guard." In the feudal town, it is difficult for one family to dominate the situation anymore.

The government's reform of the Forbidden Army is by no means limited to this. When the government stabilizes, there will definitely be big moves. "

Zhao Kuangyin frowned and nodded silently, feeling that his future was uncertain and out of control.

I wonder what fate the Zhao family will have in this new Zhou Dynasty.

Zhao Hongyin glanced at his son and said, "You don't have to worry too much. You and Taiyuan County Duke Chai Rong and Zhu Xiu are close friends. My Zhao family has always acted cautiously, and I have always been conscientious as a father. As long as I don't make mistakes, others will It’s not easy to bring down my Zhao family.”

Zhao Kuangyin nodded and laughed at himself: "What my father taught me is that children are worrying in vain."

"Zhu Xiu goes to Suzhou, how long will it take to get back?" Zhao Hongyin asked casually.

Zhao Kuangyin thought for a while: "I don't know, I guess it will take a year and a half if we don't talk much."

Zhao Hongyin said with a smile: "Looking at the appearance of Jingzhou now, I think Zhu Xiu will do well in Suzhou. When he returns to the court, he will be the most dazzling upstart figure in the court. If the officials intend to conquer the Tang Dynasty, Suzhou will suppress Huaihe The army will also be of great use, and this boy Zhu Xiu has a bright future!"

Zhao Kuangyin said enviously: "If it weren't for Li Chongjin who was in charge of Suzhou, I would have really wanted to ask for an order to go with Zhu Xiu. Although serving in Kaifeng is noble and noble, it also lacks the opportunity to make meritorious deeds."

Zhao Hongyin shook his head: "Confused! The reform of the Forbidden Army by the officials shows that in the minds of the officials, the Forbidden Army will still be the main combat force of the Zhou Dynasty in the future. You will work hard in the Forbidden Army from now on. If you encounter a war in the future, are you afraid that you will not have the opportunity to make meritorious deeds?

Liu Chong established himself in Taiyuan, and the Shu army was ready to move again in Hanzhong. The Tang army in the south was guarding the Huaihe River, and the Khitan people in the north were occupying the Hutuo River. The officials were enterprising people. How could they tolerate the new Zhou Dynasty surrounded by enemies?
Just watch, when the situation in the DPRK stabilizes, the officials will definitely use foreign troops!You should prepare well. When the time comes, you and my son may be able to fight the enemy side by side!As an old man like me, I can still fight for the Zhao family for a few more years. From now on, I have to rely on you~~"

"Father." Zhao Kuangyin clasped his fists and shouted: "Children will fight day and night and never let down their father's high expectations!"

Zhao Hongyin still wanted to put on the airs of his old father and talk nicely, but a servant hurriedly came to report: "Master Qi, the eldest husband, the second husband was drunk and vomited, and the back house was not peaceful, and even the wife was awakened. ! The young master is also crying in the young madam's room. The madam orders me to ask the master and the eldest man to go back!"

Zhao Hongyin's neck shrank, Mrs. Du was a light sleeper and easily got angry when getting out of bed. She must have a gloomy face now, just waiting for him to go over and give her a scolding.

"Go and say hello! My father is resting in the wing tonight! Tell your mother that my father is sleeping so hard that he can't be woken up!"

Zhao Hongyin said something and slipped away along the corridor as if running away.

Zhao Kuangyin couldn't laugh or cry, so he hurried back to the back house with the servant.

　It's back, it's back, I kept you waiting for a long time! ~~
　　Although little bald me is currently sitting in an empty room with four white walls and only a bare floor. There are no doors, no curtains, just a table and a bench, but I still put on my computer and work hard to code for everyone! ~~
　　I didn't expect that I would stop writing for so long. It's not that I don't want to write, but the objective conditions really don't allow it! ~
　　The outline of the next volume that was originally sorted out needs to be sorted out again, and I must first bite the bullet and write the last chapter of this volume.

　　In the next volume, we will enter the struggle stage of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Not much else to say, I will try my best to compensate everyone with as many code words as possible! ~~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)